Maine news, sports, weather from Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram, Portland, Maine

In a conference call with pastors today, conservative political consultant Frank Schubert called Maine's vote on gay marriage "very critical" because if it passes here, gay activists in other states will go directly to voters.

"For the first time in history, gay activists have gone to the ballot themselves," he said, according to the audio of the call posted on Good As You, a gay website. "If they are successful, this will open up a whole new front in the marriage battle nationally. It's a very critical fight in Maine."

Schubert talked with pastors in the four states where votes on gay marriage will take place Nov. 6. In Maryland and Washington, voters will decide whether to uphold gay marriage laws passed by their legislatures and signed into law by their Democratic governors.

And in Minnesota, Schubert said it took 10 years to get a "marriage protection amendment" -- a constitutional amendment that defines marriage as between a man and a woman -- on the ballot.

Carroll Conley of Protect Marriage Maine gave a quick overview of the issue here and said he's concerned that if gay marriage passes, it could encourage the Supreme Court to look favorably on it when it considers two cases next year. He also said he was "encouraged here in Maine" because pastors are giving sermons on marriage and have a lot of influence in small towns.

The hour-long teleconference also includes comments from moderator Jim Garlow, a San Diego pastor who was involved in the Prop 8 vote in California. He gives a biblical perspective for opposition to gay marriage. His comments start around the 34 minute mark.

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Open Season targets all of Maine's political wildlife, from Portland city government to the donkeys, elephants and independents stalking the Statehouse and U.S. Capitol.

John Richardson joined the Press Herald in 1990 after working as a reporter in New Jersey. He has covered a variety of beats, including marine issues, the environment and health care. He is now covering politics and focusing on Maine's U.S. Senate race.
John can be reached at 791-6324 or jrichardson@pressherald.com
On Twitter: @jrichmaine

Colin Woodard has covered politics and elections for more than two decades, from Bosnia and Bucharest to Washington, D.C., Augusta, and Portland City Hall. He has written for a wide range of national and international publications and is the author of four books, including "American Nations," a history of North America's regional cultures. He joined the Portland Press Herald at the end of April and covers political finance and lobbying, among other things.
Colin can be reached at 791-6317 or cwoodard@pressherald.com

Susan Cover has covered Maine politics for 10 years and worked in Kansas, Ohio and Rhode Island as a reporter. This year, she is focusing on covering the same-sex marriage debate for MaineToday Media.
Susan can be reached at 621-5643 or scover@mainetoday.com

Michael Shepherd joined MaineToday Media in May 2012 after graduating from the University of Maine in Orono, where he edited The Maine Campus, the student newspaper there. Until November he'll be writing the Truth Test, a recurring feature analyzing political statements and advertising.
Michael can be reached at 621-5632 or mshepherd@mainetoday.com

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